Ever meet a real life Superhero in real life… If not have no fear for Supergirl is here.. or at least someone who stands behind the symbol of Supergirl Laney Feni. Sometimes we all need a little pick me up that helps us get through the day. Follow her on Instagram @LaneyFeni and tell her she’s doing an amazing job. But for now get to know her a little more personally.
(Photo Credit @herohotties)
Laney you’re a bad ass cosplayer, fitness enthusiast and a possible maxim cover girl. Is there anything else you want the readers to know about you? What gets your out of bed in the morning.
LF: Hahah, I definitely won’t be making that maxim cover girl but oh well. Cosplay and fitness are just my hobbies. I volunteer at Children’s hospitals with the Hope for Henry Foundation also as Supergirl, but those are just the things I’m passionate about. I’ve never made a living off of any of my hobbies. I work for the DoD as my “career job” so I would say that’s why I have to get out of bed at 6 am every morning.
What made you start cosplaying and how long have you been into it?
LF: I started dressing up as Supergirl for Hope for Henry at Children’s National in D.C. and I met a lot of friends who cosplay that way. They convinced me to start going to conventions and I’ve been hooked ever since. I think I have been cosplaying for 5 years now.
(Photo Credit : @Maze_Studio)
What is your philosophy when it comes to creating content on Instagram?
LF: I guess I don’t really have a philosophy on creating content. It’s all in fun for me. I usually just come up with an idea that sounds fun, ask one of my photographer friends to meet me and voila! Content created. Sometimes it is based on relevant movies, comics, pop-culture, etc. If I’m watching the new Joker trailer over and over again, I’m going to want to slap some joker make up on and take a pic.
(Photo Credit: @Woodywoodworth)
What would you say is the #1 thing that contributed to your success on Instagram as well as the great engagement you get with your fans?
LF: I don’t know how you can measure “success” because I don’t think of it that way since I don’t profit off it. I guess I would have to say just being yourself. There are SO MANY influencers/ fitness people/ cosplayers on Instagram. You really must think outside the box to find something that NO ONE else is doing. You must be creative or always be one-step ahead of everything else. It’s kind of exhausting and too competitive for me. I’ve met so many people through my Instagram followers. It’s just cool that people think my content is entertaining, I never thought it would be.
(Photo Credit: @maze_studios)
What are your three favorite trends at this moment?
LF: I mean, obviously I am addicted to this whole “fitness trend”. The fitness apparel, the workout demonstrations, the healthy lifestyles, all of it. I am definitely into the avocado toast, acai bowel, and healthy eating trend.
You’re currently in the running to becoming a Maxim Cover Girl. What would it mean to you to win and be featured?
LF: It would be freaking awesome! But I won’t win and it’s ok.
(Photo Credit: @herohotties)
Millennials are one of the largest and most influential demographic cohorts and they hold authenticity above content. 43% of millennials rank authenticity over content when consuming information. How important is authenticity to you when choosing a brand to work with?
LF: Its SUPER important. I have worked very few brands because of that factor. It’s so hard to tell the authenticity of a brand just from reading an Instagram DM. I joke with my best friend and tell her she’s my manager because I have her read all my DMs that are business opportunities. She’s a pretty good judge of character and gives it to me straight. If something doesn’t seem authentic to her she’ll throw it out. I really only work with the brands of things that I REALLY enjoy. Sometimes people send me stuff and it’s not what it seemed to be so I will send it back and not post about it. Other times I get really cool opportunities like working with a video game.
Describe your Instagram feed in 5 words:
LF: Cosplay, Fitness, Metal music, D.C. comics
As an influencer, how do you think your followers influence you?
LF: A lot of times I will ask them to pick which character to cosplay. I will do a poll on which prints to get made for each convention. My followers also influence me by being influencers themselves. I ask a lot of questions to my followers just to see what they are into or to get their point of views.
Unfortunately, for every 99 comments, there will always be 1 comment full of judgement and hate. How do you brave the judgement on Instagram from complete strangers?
LF: SOMEHOW, I have managed to hardly ever have negative comments on Instagram. I don’t know how it’s possible because I see my friends go through it all the time. There was only one time I can remember a hater commenting. I believe I said something snarky back and that was the end of it. I think I get comments that are a lot more negative when I get posted on Reddit, but it is still never that bad. I usually reply to them and they are shocked I responded and then they apologize because they are embarrassed.
Favorite character to cosplay and why?
LF: That’s a tough one…Supergirl because of the kids. Thor because I like red lipstick and red capes. Aquaman because … I love that costume its badass :p
You obviously keep in great shape. What inspires you to be the best version of yourself. Also how do you keep to a strict routine when traveling?
LF: I got pretty chubby a couple years ago when I started my career job at first. I was stressed out, eating poorly, and just overall unhappy. I started lifting and it changed my life. If I don’t go to the gym, I won’t sleep, eat, and I will get anxiety. Some days it gets exhausting and you can’t always keep up with it. I travel a lot for work, and it is difficult to keep up with it. I have routines that I use in my hotel rooms that only involve body weight because not all hotels have great gyms. I bring workout bands along with me too. As long as I’m doing some kind of movement, I’ll be ok.
How do you spend your day off when you unhook from the Internet?
LF: Go to the local coffee shop, eat brunch, go to the farmers market, take my dog to the dog park, watch a horror movie, or catch up on my Netflix shows. I like to hike and be outdoors too.. if its nice out.
